10 tiny islands

Brownsea Island, Poole, DorsetThis tranquil island is trebly famous: (1) for being the birthplace of scouting and guiding, (2) as the inspiration for Enid Blyton's Famous Five, and (3) as one of the few remaining homes of red squirrels in England (there are no nasty grey squirrels to kick them off). With deer and peacocks too, and stunning views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is the perfect place for a day trip.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea

Ailsa Craig, Firth of ClydeThis uninhabited, conical island (a "volcanic plug") rises dramatically out of the sea about 10 miles west of Girvan, and glows pinky-red at sunset. Its ultra-hard granite bedrock is the traditional source for stones used in the Olympic sport of curling.ailsacraig.org.uk

Clare Island, Mayo, IrelandTake the ferry from Roonagh Pier near Westport to this beautiful island and explore its bogs and woodland, visit the 12th-century Cistercian abbey, or chill out at the Clare Island Retreat Centre, an eco-friendly yoga and meditation base.clareisland.org

Eigg, Inner HebridesThis stunning island is perfect for walkers, with clifftop paths, numerous caves and its rocky peak, An Sgurr (The Notch). The two-hour climb to the top is mostly easy walking, and you are rewarded with beautiful, sweeping views in all directions. Back at sea level, no visit to Eigg is complete without hearing the "singing sands" on the north-west side of the island.isleofeigg.org

Hangman, Isles of ScillyLocated between Bryher and Tresco, this tiny island is still home to a set of gallows, a macabre reminder of what used to go on here (as if the name wasn't enough). The ultimate punishment of captured pirates and royalists attempting to flee England.simplyscilly.co.uk

Shapinsay, Orkney IslandsStanding proud at the southern end of Shapinsay is Balfour Castle, with its grand Victorian turrets and beautiful walled gardens. To the north is Burroughston Broch, a dry-stone Iron Age structure surrounded by a grassy mound. Seal spotters should explore the flat rocks right nearby.orkney.org/islands/shapinsay.htm

Havergate, SuffolkThis RSPB reserve is a low-lying island made up of six saline lagoons surrounded by saltmarshes and mudflats. There are five twitchers' hides from which to spot avocets, terns, ducks and wading birds.rspb.org.uk

Lundy Island, Bristol ChannelVisitors can stay in Lundy Castle, built by Henry III in 1244. The island has no roads or cars, just beautiful sea views, a mild climate perfect for walking, and a wide variety of wildlife. Ferries sail from Bideford or Ilfracombe.lundyisland.co.uk

Sark, Channel IslandsAnother car-less island with a milder climate than mainland Britain, the dark caves, watery inlets and isolated location have inspired a hugely diverse range of animal and plant life, with dolphins and puffins headlining.sark.info

Farne Islands, NorthumberlandThese "rocky pancakes" are home to a large colony of Atlantic grey seals and are an important seabird sanctuary, too. The "friendly" terns will happily dive bomb you so a hat is advisable. farne-islands.com